Chapter 207

“Exactly,” Manley continued. “Cole’s uncharacteristic manner clearly indicates the absence of danger. He’s either engaging in a calculated performance or flirtatiously playing with Elliana while disregarding any potential threat from her.”

He concluded emphatically, “Therefore, our intervention remains premature.”

Following this analysis, Myles, Aron, and Hugh lapsed into contemplative silence.

Allan and Merlin shifted uncomfortably. Despite their status as heirs to prestigious families and rumors of their prolific romantic conquests, reality marked them as relative novices in matters of intimacy. Before Manley’s seasoned perspective, they experienced profound embarrassment.

Observing the discomfort on Allan’s and Merlin’s expressions, Manley swelled with unprecedented pride. Among the four companions, he—the youngest—often perceived his character and wisdom as inferior. Today, however, he radiated the authority of a natural leader, a sensation he found exhilarating.

Within the room, neither Elliana nor Cole suspected the eavesdropping ensemble outside.

Elliana regarded Cole with speechless incredulity and challenged him. “Are you fabricating your distress?”

Cole met her penetrating gaze and, rather than responding directly, posed his own question. “I sustained this injury protecting you. Don’t you believe such a sacrifice merits some modest compensation?”

Cole looked like a kid eagerly waiting for his favorite treat.

Elliana was both amused and exasperated by his reaction. For someone who carried himself with such authority in public, he turned surprisingly childish behind closed doors. Still, given that he was hurt, she figured she could cut him some slack.

“I’ll give you a reward, but just so we’re clear—you’re injured. No touching, no funny business.”

Cole let out a quiet chuckle. “Alright.”

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He found himself genuinely curious about what kind of reward she had in mind.

“Close your eyes,” Elliana said, her voice calm.

Without hesitation, Cole shut his eyes.

Taking a slow breath, Elliana steadied herself and gently removed her glasses. Since she had chosen to accept his proposal and see where their relationship could go, showing him her real face felt like a necessary step. After all, what kind of relationship would they have if she couldn’t even let him see her as she truly was? Not to mention, he was her husband now.

She placed the glasses carefully on the table and turned back to him. “You can open your eyes now.”

Cole opened his eyes slowly, anticipation flickering across his face. In that tiny pause before he saw her, his mind ran through all kinds of possibilities. Maybe she had a gift waiting for him. Maybe she would finally break her usual reserve and give him a sweet kiss.

But nothing could have prepared him for this—for her to take off her glasses and let him see her entire face so openly, so completely.

Earlier, she had told him that since he’d annoyed her, she wasn’t going to let him see her full face today. But now, her earlier words no longer held any weight. What mattered in this moment was that he was finally seeing what he had longed to see.

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